Swoon Thursday (22) Not Your Average Fairy tale

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

We swayed to the music, lost in our own little world. I felt his heartbeat through his chest, fluttering about as fast as mine. 

He pulled me closer. “You look beautiful,” he whispered. 

Chills coursed through my body, and I shivered. 

Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick Kindle Location 3580

There is something about being told you are beautiful that makes me smile and sigh.  So what about you?  Anyone swoon worthy that you have been reading?

Review: Not Your Average Fairy Tale

Author: Chantele Sedgwick
Format: eBook
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: August 1, 2012

Armed with wings and a blue wand, being a fairy godmother should be easy ... unless your name is Ash, and you're a dude.

Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants. When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings. A.K.A. the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a "happy ever after". But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father's death, Kendall doesn't want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she doesn't believe in happy endings.

My Thoughts

Kendall is in need of a fairy god mother. Her daddy died in a horrible car accident while she was driving the car. The accident left her scarred both on the inside and outside. She kinda withdrawals from all of her friends, sitting on the outskirts now.

Ash grew up at the Magical Being Academy. At the head of his class he assumed/hoped that his last semester would be an internship with his mentor Logan aka Mr. Sandman. Instead he’s stuck with Shenelle, the pink flying fairy godmother. That’s right the head fairy god mother. But he could do this. All he has to do is a few reports and of course give Kendall her happy every after with 3 wishes.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Ash was a fabulously manly fairy godmother. Kendall, your heart will break for her after all she’s been through. She really does deserve a happily ever after. I really did not like Cameron- I thought he was a jerk. Had no clue what Kendall saw in him. I enjoyed Ash’s and Kendall’s easy banter and the growth of their friendship. The baddie Dax is pure evil. Holy cowzers the stuff he does. I never want to be on his badside. Not sure if I could handle it. The ending does lend itself to a sequel if that is what the book world wants. I for one would love to read a follow-up book.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Dax- boy at Ash’s school, hates him
Sam- Ash’s roomie and bestie
Tessa- Kendall’s bestie
Logan- Mr. Sandman, Ash’s mentor
Cameron- Kendall’s love interest, kinda a jerk
Shenelle- Head Fairy Godmother

Teaser Tuesday (22) Colonization

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“I thought it’d be different as well.” He glanced down as if he couldn’t stare into my eyes, black hair falling across his face in a shield. “I was stupid to believe we’d be together. Every question I answered correctly on that test brought me closer to the job I wanted, but I didn’t realize it also took me further away from you.”

Colonization by Aubrie Dionne Kindle Location 382

“You can help me, right? You can change it?” 

He shook his head, wires quivering. I can, but I won’t.”

A fist squeezed in my chest, and my throat constricted. “Why not? You have the power.” 

He swallowed hard and paused. The familiar buzz of the engines filled the silence. 

“You’ve been taught many times how the computer must assign mates to keep out small population from inbreeding, to keep our genes strong.” 

Colonization by Aubrie Dionne Kindle Location 451

A scream pierced through the techno beat and the music stopped abruptly.  I turned around as the crowd grew silent.

Colonization by Aubrie Dionne Kindle Location 1170

So I broke the two sentence rule again.  I would try to make an excuse but seriously I really just liked the book and wanted to get some teasers out there on it.  Could you imagine someone you are close to accepting that your relationship must end- for no other reason than a computer?

Dreaming of Summer Blog Hop!

Announcing the Dreaming of Summer Giveaway

November 27 through Dec. 2

Summertime in Georgia is much like Spring or Fall.  The only difference is that the humidity goes higher than a NASA spaceship.  Although this Fall we have had a few cold days- unusual to say the least.  These cold days had me wishing for the summer, and a great summertime read.   So when Me, Myself and I and I am a Reader not a Writer decided to host a Dreaming of Summertime blog hop I just had to sign up. 

I got to thinking-which book have I read lately that would remind me of summertime?  A fabulous series The Shadow Falls Series by CC Hunter came to mind instantly.  Shadow Falls is a five book series centered around a young lady named Kylie.  Kylie’s momma and daddy are getting a divorced.  Normally this would already be devastating- but she is also seeing someone that no one else can see.  A solider, who seems to pop up randomly.

Her parents send her to Shadow Falls- a camp for troubled teens.  Al least that is what the outside world believes.  Kylie soon finds out otherwise.  It’s a camp for troubled paranormal teens, and by troubled I mean they have trouble accepting their new found powers.  This series is amazing and I wanted to share it with my followers.  What better way to share than to do a giveaway!

Once you are finish signing up for this great summertime read follow the links below for more summertime fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Series Highlight: Shadow Falls by CC Hunter

In February of this year I was searching for a new book to read.  As I browsed the book aisles I came upon a book called Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter.  At this point, I should admit that I sometimes do judge a books read-worthiness by it’s cover.  Born at Midnight has an amazing cover.  A blonde gal in a black dressed climbing a barren tree trunk with a foggy mist surrounding her.  The right amount of spooky mixed in with the dreariness of winter. I just had to read the back cover.

Born At Midnight

Author: CC Hunter
Format: ebook
Print Length: 398
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Published: March 29, 2011

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

My Thoughts

OMG!  What happens next?  So I quickly downloaded the next book in the series.

Awake at Dawn

Author: CC Hunter
Format: ebook 

Print Length: 383
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Published: October 11, 2011

Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special…talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how…

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside.

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear…and bring her closer to her destiny.

My Thoughts

HOLY COWZIERS!  What happens next?  Wait- I have to wait?  Seriously?  How will I survive?  Thankfully it was only about a month and a half wait.  I pre-ordered the next book, biting my nails in anticipation.

Turned at Dark

I discovered that there was an e-book prequel released with Della’s story in it.   You can read it for free by downloading from Amazon or Barnes and Nobles.

Taken at Dusk

Author: CC Hunter
Format: ebook
Print Length: 380
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Published: April 10, 2012

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

My Thoughts

OH NO…..  Who is the ghost that she is speaking to?  Which one of my beloved book friends died?  How could the author kill them?  And of course, heck no it is not a mistake for her topic Lucas.  Team Lucas all the way! 

 

Whispers at Moonrise

Author: C.C. Hunter
Format: ARC
Print Length: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Published: Oct. 2, 2012

The breathtaking new installment of the New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series from author C. C. Hunter...Whispers at Moonrise.

At a camp filled with vampires, werewolves, and fairies, Kylie Galen has always struggled to figure out what she is. Now she finally knows the truth—but she's left with more questions than answers. She doesn’t have a clue what her heritage means or how to harness her newfound powers. All she knows is that she needs to sort out her feelings for Derek, the sexy half-Fae who just confessed his love, and Lucas, her werewolf boyfriend who seems more committed to his pack than to their relationship. All the while, Kylie's dealing with a group of underground rogues who want her dead and a mysterious grandfather who makes it clear he doesn’t trust the FRU . . . or Shadow Falls. Soon Kylie will have to choose: Will she stay with the new family she’s formed at Shadow Falls, or will she leave with her grandfather and embrace her destiny.

My Thoughts

Here is a link to my review and reaction to Whispers at Moonrise.

Pretty much my thoughts were Oh My Goodness!  Oh My Goodness!  Oh My Goodness!  How could she?  How could he?  What will happen to Della and Miranda?

Chosen at Nightfall

The final book Chosen at Nightfall is expected to be released in April, 2013.  I realize that it is five months away but every once in a while I cannot help but think what is Kylie, Lucas, Derek, Holiday and the girls doing? 

Character Interview: Corvus from Colonization

Author: Aubrie Dionne
Format: eARC
Print Length: 228
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Published: Nov. 7, 2013

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius’s ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to keep her protect her new home. What she didn’t expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Our Chat~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andromeda knew who she wanted to be matched with, even though they were not suppose to have favorites. She still hoped that her lifemate would be Sirius Smith.

Andromeda Barliss matched to Corvus Holmes. She describes him as a perfectly fine boy, a little oafish. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. His muscles are outlined lined in his uniformed and well she calls him “an over-stuffed hero toy.”  She does have a crush on Sirius when she is describing Corvus.  I picture him a lot like Alexander Ludwig.

I got the opportunity to have a chat with Corvus. What a gentleman! Hear what he has to say about his lifemate match.

Corvus, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. Would you like some sweet ice tea? Maybe a snack?

I actually enjoy drinking the juice made from the flowers on Paradise 21! There's a ton of vitamin c. Want to try some?

That is an awfully kind offer. Darling, I already have a glass of tea- maybe next time. Hopefully, he did not see me wrinkle my nose. Yikes!

Okay now that that is settled. The real reason you are here is so that we can get all the juicy gossip.

Growing up on New Dawn must have been quite an experience. There your assignments (your job) and lifemates are picked for you by the Guide.

I don't know about gossip! I don't gossip, but I can tell you what's going on.

Why on earth would he not gossip?  No fair.  Was there a job that you hoped for? A lifemate pairing that you wanted? Or maybe one that you hoped to avoid?

To tell you the truth, I really didn't care. I wanted my life to stay the same on the ship. I enjoyed looking out the sight panels and watching the stars go by. Then, when I found out my lifemate was Andromeda Barliss, I started to care. I wanted to work hard to deserve her. She's so beautiful and kind. Did you know she's the commander's great granddaughter?

When you realized that you were paired with Annie~ what went through your mind?

Fear that she wouldn't be happy with me, determination to live up to her expectations, and excitement to have someone so special. A swirl of emotions, really.

Why on New Paradise would you risk your life for the job of head of security? Were you not happy in your assignment?

I wanted to impress Andromeda. She didn't seem all that impressed with my grunt job, and I knew I could do better for her. Those man-eating flowers didn't scare me.

Knowing that your lifemate had feelings for Siruis, why did you want to help her?
We were paired together whether we had feelings for someone else or not. I guess, I hoped I could win her over if I tried hard enough. I had to give it a shot.

If you could change any one thing that has happened while you have been on Paradise 21, what would it be?

I wish we could have saved Ray Simmons. We should have known about the threat to the colony. The scout droids should have picked it up. Thanks for having me over for the interview. You'll have to read Colonization: Paradise Reclaimed to see what happens! 

Corvus~ thanks so much for stopping by. I know that you have a lot of work to do on Paradise 21. Have fun getting to know Annie and well keeping her out of trouble.

I tried y'all, but he just would not give me the gossip.  I mean, seriously.  Not even one mention of Nova.  Hopefully, Annie took care of her.

Review: Colonization

 

Colonization

Author: Aubrie Dionne

Format: eARC
Print Length: 228
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing 
Published: Nov. 7, 2013

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius’s ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to keep her protect her new home. What she didn’t expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?

My Thoughts

I received an eARC through the publishers, this in no way influenced my review.

Right before she passes away Annie’s great-granny tells her, “Change is the only constant in our lives.  It shapes us as much as it tears us down.” (Kindle Location 28)  Boy, was granny right.  The New Dawn has finally reached Paradise 21, before the descend upon the plant she takes her final exams (this determines her job) and her lifemate is decided upon.  She hopes that she assigned her best friend Sirius as her lifemate.  They are attracted to each other but they avoid doing anything about it due to the whole, computer picks their lifemate rule.  It does make sense- you want to make sure that their civilization will continue to thrive and that no inbreeding happens.  Arranged marriages though sometimes suck.

Let’s be honest- I typically only read paranormal or contemporary YA novels.  So, I was very unsure going into this book.  Will I like it?  Will I be able to follow it?  Will it take forever to read?  I curled up into my reading chair with some sweet tea a blanket and the Kindle Fire.

Holy alien babies everywhere!  This world is beautifully written, Paradise 21 seemingly really a Paradise with the beautiful plants and the fabulous water.  Who would not like to be on a beach? 

The emotional drama that Annie is put through, and she suffers it mostly in silence.  Wowzers.  The tidal wave of emotions that Annie feels from the very beginning with the death of her great-granny to the end will leave some seasick but wow what great character development.  You cannot help but feel bad for Annie and yet at the same time wonder if computerization is the way to go when picking a mate.

Corvus is, well, dang he is just great y’all.  He is understanding, caring, and sweet.  Who else do you know would willingly help his girlfriend (lifemate) find her old boyfriend (not really but you get the picture)?  The risks he takes for her is just well heartwarming.  You end up verbally cheering for him.

Do you know the phrase “better the devil that you know than the one that you do not.”  This comes to mind when I view Annie’s and Sirius’ relationship.  They grew up together.  They know each other’s secrets.  They went on adventures together.  So, shouldn’t they be together?

Sirius goes missing and Annie is going after him, Lieutenant Crophaven wouldn’t listen to her.  So really she has no other options.  He got lost doing a favor for her.  Corvus catches her leaving and leaves with her.  It is a race against time or wind to get to Sirius.  Will they make it?  What happens if they do?  What if they don’t?

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Nova- resident mean girl and Sirius’ lifemate match, the irony

Lieutenant Crophaven- He is one of the highest ranking military men on the ship

Commander Barliss- Annie’s great-Grandpa, he happens to command the ship

Swoon Thursday:Colonization

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

“My foot-“

“I’ll make sure you don’t put pressure on it.”

And he did.  Putting a strong arm around my waist, he hoisted me into the air and back down again in a pirouette.  We spun together and I laughed, my hair catching in my mouth.  He brushed it back and smoothed his thumb over my lips.  My heart thudded against my chest, and I wondered if it was because of the exertion or something else.

Colonization Kindle by Aubrie Dionne Location 1167

As he spoke, he ran a hand through my hair, sorting out the tangles.  “When I got my lifemate assignment, I was beyond happy.  I couldn’t imagine a better partner.  You’re beautiful, smart and friendly, but I also felt guilty and nervous, as though they handed me a prize I didn’t deserve.”

Colonization Kindle Location by Aubrie Dionne 2121

Lately, I can not help but add two areas where the guy has been swoon worthy.  I wonder why? Oh well- bet you are wondering who the guy is….

Below is a link to the Colonization giveaway going on now!
Colonization

Review: Death and the Girl Next Door

Author: Darynda Jones
Format: ebook
Print Length: 274
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Published: October 2, 2012

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

"Unique, witty, and touching—I LOVED THIS BOOK!" —P.C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Night Series

My Thoughts

For as long as Lorelei can remember she has known Cameron.  SO why is he now following her around?  What is his deal?  Bet yet why does the new guy seem interested in her?  He totally ignored her cheerleading perfect enemy Tabitha, who was coming on to him like a freight train.  Since when does Cameron decide who she can or cannot see?

Lorelei has no problem questioning that which she does not understand.  The book opens up on the 10^th anniversary of her parents’ disappearance.  Her best friends are supportive- usually with human and her life continues.  Now, why is Cameron was Cameron hanging out around her hose and is basically everywhere she is?

“Stalker boy was nothing if not dedicated.”

Then the boy of her dreams, literally, Jared shows up.  Jared, “built like an Adonis” has a shady background- think Kevin Spacey in the Usual Suspects.  Yet Cameron keeps trying to get Jared out of her life.  “You can’t have her” and let’s not forget the thing with the shot gun.

Jared is an interesting male lead.  His job occupation comes with certain rules and well he refuses to do his job because of his attraction to Lorelei.  I ended up likening Cameron more (the shot gun chapter totally sold me on him.

The awesome thing in this book is that the main character’s relationship takes a back seat to a pair of supportive members.  Yepper, funny gal sidekick- Brooke gets a boy in this one.  Who just so happens to be the opposite of Jared?  Can you guess who or what he is?  Well here is a hint- exorcism.

Regardless, Death and the Girl Next Door was an entertaining read.  It made me wonder what happens to the supportive characters than the main.  This sometimes happens- I felt extremely bad for Glitch for getting his heart secretly broken- she’ll never know.  Then I felt guilty because I was still glad that the pairing is happening. 

Will the demon wake up?  Will the angel be able to protect her?  Will his light shine bright enough for the both of them?  The sequel comes out in March so until then we are left wondering. 

My Rating 3 out of 4 stars

Other Characters

Brooke- fabulous bestie, with a great sense of humor

Glitch- guy bestie, who has a secret that he will not share

Tabitha- resident mean gal, every story has one

Book Trailer: Opal

It's here!  It's here!  It's here!  The trailer is here!

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 






USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

Teaser Tuesday (21) Brightest Kind of Darkness

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

He easily deflected my punch and yanked me toward him, folding his arms around mine in a vice-hold.

Panting, I struggled and looked for a place to bite.

Just as I was about to sink my teeth deep, he gritted out, “Nara, it’s me!”

When Ethan’s voice penetrated my mind, the fight drained out of me.  Sobbing, I babbled against his chest between gasps of air.  “Two…guys…ch-chasing me.  Want to…hurt me.”

Ethan stroked my ponytail.  “You’re safe.”  His fingers slid down the back of my neck cupping it in a protective hold.  “I’ve got you.”

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle Kindle Location 1111

There is something about a guy shows up at about the last minute to save the day.  But the real question is what does he do the two guys that she is running from?

Below is the link to my review of this book:

Review: Brightest Kind of Darkness

Below is a link to some of the teasers for this book as well:

Swoon Thursday

Teaser Tuesday

Exiled by M.R. Merrick Excerpt & Giveaway

Power Will Flourish

Lives Will be Lost

Nothing, Will be Forgotten

Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped. 

Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. 

Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna - a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret. In their attempt to stop them however, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble  ~ Goodreads~Smashwords

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Here's an excerpt:

I was trying to wrap my head around the idea that there were Underworlders out there that weren't completely evil, but though Rayna had saved my life, I was still having trouble with it.  After years of being told one thing, it made it hard to believe otherwise, and the last three years of being subjected to the Underworld's attacks didn't help.

 

More astonishing than her saving me, Rayna hadn't tried to kill me.  Now that was a twist I never saw coming.  Although we fought, I couldn't help but wonder:if I hadn't jumped at the chance to attach her, would my nose still be aching?

 

Considering all the strange things Marcus had said, I figured it might not hurt to stop by that address.  It would give me a chance to see what they were all about; plus, I had a strange urge to know more about Rayna.  If there were people who could be trusted, I was interested.  A hunter on my side would be great, but about the demon, I wasn't so sure.  She might have been helpful once the night before, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. 

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer and author of The Protector Series, a Young Adult mash-up between Urban and Epic Fantasy. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he’s usually found at the computer between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.

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Review: Team Human

 

Author: Justine Larbalestier, Sarah Rees Brennan
Format: eBook
Print Length: 235 pages
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: July 3, 2012

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity!

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

My Thoughts

Imagine growing up in a world with vampires- now imagine living in a city founded by vampires.  Cool, huh?  Well to be honest cool is not the word that Mel would use.

Yikes!  Is more like it.  In order to become a vamp you were supposed to apply for a license- just like a driver’s licenses.  Once the license is approved you go to the clinic and presto you are transformed- if done right, you are a vampire devolved of all human emotion.  If it doesn’t take- you die.  Oh, and if something goes wrong.  You are turned into a zombie.

Thank goodness Mel does not have to worry about this.  You see she’s never even met a vampire.  That is until the day he shows up at school.  Then all heck breaks lose- Cathy (Mel’s bestie) loses her mind and her heart to the blood loving vamp, Francis.  What was she thinking?

New Whitby is a fun place to visit.  Team Human was a perfect way of addressing the current vamp loving culture that we now live in.  I remember a time when liking paranormal anything meant you were weird/Goth/maybe even a little depressed.  But now, it’s all the rage!  Team Human pokes fun at our vamp loving culture in a way we can all relate to.

You know that time when your bestie falls for a bad guy- one you totally disagree with?  Well, welcome to Mel’s world.  She will do anything to save her bestie from falling for a vamp and being turned.

There is never a dull moment in this book.  It’s fast paced and you really can feel Mel’s love for her bestie.  You can understand why she is heck bent on convincing her to not become a vamp.  Would you want your bestie to become one?

Mel does get a love interest, sort of.  Kit, who Francis helped raise after humans left him on the vamp’s doorstep.  He offers a lot of comic relief and a different viewpoint of the vamps.

Disclaimer- if you are totally serious about vamps and have no sense of humor do not read this book.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Cathy- the studious best friend who happens to be in love with a vampire
Ty- ex-boyfriend, still friend
Anna- other best friend, a lot goes on in her life- I feel bad for her
Francis- vamp that Cathy falls in love with